The Internet Of Everything Is Here: CES 2014

The “internet of things” was the cool phrase to say last year, as tech was smashed together with all sorts of everyday objects. It was only a matter of time before this evolved from innovate ideas to consumer products. Last week’s Consumer Electronics Show – surely one of the biggest geek-outs in the world – revealed the latest developments in this rapidly-evolving trend.

The “internet of things” was the cool phrase to say last year, as tech was smashed together with all sorts of everyday objects. It was only a matter of time before this evolved from innovate ideas to consumer products. Last week’s Consumer Electronics Show – surely one of the biggest geek-outs in the world – revealed the latest developments in this rapidly-evolving trend.

The internet of things has become the internet of everything, with all manner of mobile and wearable tech now being developed. The concept is basically connected tech that changes our lives, making them easier, safer, or simply more fun.

Here’s some of the media reaction:

“We went into this whole thing expecting very little in the way of amazing new products and we were pleasantly surprised. The big guys might be boring but it’s the little guys – like early mammals scuttling under the dinosaurs – that make the biggest impact” –TechCrunch

“A phantasmagoria of light, sound, and electricity. Actual electricity, and the kind of spiritual, psychic kind that only happens but once a year” – The Verge

What caused such a reaction?

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest announcements from the world of mobile and wearable tech:

Virtual Reality with Occulus Rift

Immersive virtual reality is coming on leaps and bounds. Occulus Rift presented their Crystal Cove prototype – an augmented virtual reality headset that puts you into a game. It fixes many of the niggles from previous versions and is the clearest sign yet that we’ll see something on the market this year.

“Of all the exciting, innovative products we’ve seen at CES this year, the Oculus Rift “Crystal Cove” prototype is unquestionably the best of the best” – Engadget

Pebble Steel Smartwatch

Kickstarter graduates Pebble promised “something special” and they didn’t disappoint. The Pebble Steel does away with the lightweight “plastic toy” feel of the older models in favour of metal, leather straps, and a more solid construction. Together with a specialist store featuring over 3,000 apps, these are signs that Pebble is growing up fast.

The 3 Doodler

3D printing has up until now been an activity reserved for engineers and the technically-minded. Crowdfunded project 3Doodler opens up the possibilities to the rest of us with its fantastic 3D printing pen that really does let you draw in 3D. It works in a similar way to a 3D printer, by rapidly heating up and cooling plastic as it passes through the head.

But rather than talk, let’s watch. You can’t fail to be amazed!

Elsewhere at CES 2014, it seems the car is rapidly evolving from a means of transportation to our latest connected device. From laser headlights to driverless steering, technology in cars will be a big thing in 2014.